Neighbor thanked for saving child

By Charles Prince

Glenn Spangler, left, was reunited with a fully recovered Kylie Nistlebeck-Eckert following an award ceremony at the June 10 Millersport Village Council meeting. Her mother is holding the two-year old. Beacon photo by Charles Prince. MILLERSPORT - "I'm not a hero," Glenn Spangler said following an award ceremony at Tuesday night's Village Council meeting. "I was just lucky to be there."

Others disagree with his selfassessment. Here's what happened.

Spangler owns a cottage near the lake in FairfieldBeach. On Saturday, May 31, he cancelled a meeting in Columbus and came out to do some work around his cottage. Around 6:30 p.m., he heard a woman screaming for her two-year old granddaughter. He and some others ran to her assistance. They found Kylie about three inches under the water floating face up. Sprangler quickly pulled her out the water. She was blue and not breathing.

He immediately started CPR. The compressions pushed water out of her mouth and as Spangler continued she resumed very light breathing. When Millersport Fire Department medics arrived, Kylie was breathing. She was covered with two blankets to start rewarming her. Hot packs were placed on the blankets and more blankets were added. Medics also started an IV and administered oxygen. Medics requested Med-Flight and she was airlifted to Childrens Hospital. She was crying and her color was coming back as she was transferred to the helicopter.

Kylie showed no signs of her close call Tuesday night. When the audience, which included a large contingent of her family members applauded Spangler's efforts, she quickly joined in.

Millersport Mayor Dean Severance read and presented a proclamation to Spangler. Severance said Spangler's "heroic efforts" gave Kylie a second chance at life and her family more wonderful days with her. He declared May 31 Glenn Spangler Day.

Spangler said the American Red Cross also deserved credit for the CPR course he took years ago. He said his training just kicked in. Spangler emphasized the importance of learning CPR.